Liverpool were interested in 21-year-old Italy defender Marco Palestra, who later moved from Atalanta to Chelsea, but were hampered by needing to strengthen in other areas. (Athletic - subscription required, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesAlisson's deal expires at the end of the season and although Juventus were interested in the goalkeeper this summer, Liverpool had no intention of letting him leave.
Andoni Iraola appointed Alisson one of his vice-captains and the 33-year-old has started all four games - three in the Premier League and Wednesday's Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid - so far this season. He remains comfortably their best goalkeeper, even if he is not at his peak.
Liverpool are not short of options. However, Giorgi Mamardashvili has not fully convinced thus far and 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans, who will arrive next summer from Genk in a deal worth up to £30m, is unlikely to be viewed as an immediate first choice.
Alisson has been one of Liverpool's best players during a period in which they won two Premier League titles and a Champions League, and the new sporting director will have to decide whether to try to keep him at Anfield next season.
The same can be said of skipper Virgil van Dijk, who is out of contract at the end of this season.
Having lost senior figures Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson at the end of 2025-26, Liverpool need experience, so losing both Alisson and Van Dijk in the same summer would carry risk.
After an extended break following the World Cup, 35-year-old Van Dijk has played every minute of Liverpool's league campaign so far and, although he may not be quite the force he once was, he is still comfortably one of Europe's best centre-backs.
Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye have huge potential and the new sporting director may view Van Dijk as the perfect player for them to learn from.
How are you feeling about Van Dijk and Alisson's futures? Should it be a priority to offer them new deals or would next summer be the right time to move on?
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesDefender Ronald Araujo believes Liverpool are "growing" as a team under Andoni Iraola after they beat Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
Araujo, who is on a season-long loan from Barcelona, started at right-back for the second game in a row and got an assist as the Reds came from 1-0 down to defeat Diego Simeone's side.
"We've got a great team and, little by little, we're growing too - meeting all the coach's demands and reaching a higher level," said the 27-year-old Uruguay international.
"Liverpool is a big club like Barcelona. I'm working hard, as you can see also on the pitch. I am happy here and hungry for more.
"Liverpool are a great club and I'm really looking forward to continuing to give my all so I can keep contributing to the team."
On his first experience of a Champions League night at Anfield, Araujo added: "I love playing in this stadium. It's a very special and lovely place, and when we're also able to show off all our hard work here with a good result, it makes us feel very satisfied.
"We were up against a great opponent, who we knew had already had some good nights here, but we stood up to them, played a great match and came away with the win, which was the important thing."
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool goalkeeper Alisson has been fined £8,000 for his actions near the Anfield tunnel after the Reds' 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
After Saturday's game against Oliver Glasner's side, video footage emerged of Alisson kicking the fourth official's board - used to display injury time and substitutions - as he left the pitch at full-time.
The 33-year-old had conceded a penalty during the match - which was converted by Morgan Gibbs-White to put Forest 2-1 up. However, on Wednesday, the release of findings by the Key Match Incidents panel ruled that the spot-kick should not have been given.
The fourth official's board had also not worked during the fixture when Liverpool were trying to make substitutions when the score was 1-1.
The ball was out of play on three occasions but the Reds were unable to make a change and Forest eventually earned their controversial penalty when Liam Delap took a quick throw-in to Neco Williams, who went down in the area after Alisson had raced out to close down the chance.
An FA spokesperson said Alisson accepted a misconduct charge after it was alleged he "acted in an improper manner around the tunnel area".
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Premier League has announced it will stage seven matches on Boxing Day this year after releasing its festive schedule.
Four fixtures will be staged at 15:00 GMT, with further matches played at 12:30, 17:30 and 20:00.
The fixture programme for 26 December, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, is considerably bigger than last year, when one game was held.
Three matches will be played on Sunday, 27 December, while three further rounds of games will be held over a period up to Thursday, 7 January.
A round of evening midweek fixtures will staged on 29-30 December, while Leeds will host Everton (20:00) for the only match on New Year's Day.
The remainder of that round will be held over the weekend of 2-3 January, with the fourth round of games spread across the evenings of 5-7 January.
The Premier League has brought forward the announcement of fixture scheduling over the Christmas and New Year period after consultation with both broadcast partners and the Football Supporters' Association and representatives from club Fan Advisory Boards.
Television scheduling for Premier League fixtures has been announced up to Monday, 2 November, with broadcast selections for the remaining games in November and December to be announced in the weeks commencing 21 September and 19 October respectively.
The Premier League has guaranteed clubs at least a 60-hour break between fixtures over the festive period to address the concerns over a congested festive schedule that follows recent expansions of the European and international calendars.
Premier League Christmas and New Year schedule
Saturday, 26 December
12:30 Aston Villa v Leeds
15:00 Everton v Sunderland
15:00 Fulham v Brighton
15:00 Ipswich v Brentford
15:00 Spurs v AFC Bournemouth
17:30 Hull v Liverpool
20:00 Newcastle v Manchester City
Sunday, 27 December
14:00 Coventry v Chelsea
16:30 Manchester Utd v Nottingham Forest
19:00 Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Tuesday, 29 December
19:30 Hull v Leeds
19:30 Spurs v Brighton
20:15 Everton v Manchester City
Wednesday, 30 December
19:30 Coventry v Brentford
19:30 Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth
19:30 Fulham v Arsenal
19:30 Manchester United v Sunderland
19:30 Newcastle v Nottingham Forest
20:15 Aston Villa v Liverpool
20:15 Ipswich v Chelsea
Friday, 1 January
20:00 Leeds v Everton
Saturday, 2 January
12:30 Brighton v Manchester United
15:00 Arsenal v Ipswich
15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace
15:00 Liverpool v Coventry
15:00 Nottingham Forest v Fulham
15:00 Sunderland v Hull
17:30 AFC Bournemouth v Aston Villa
Sunday, 3 January
14:00 Chelsea v Newcastle
16:30 Manchester City v Spurs
Tuesday, 5 January
19:30 Arsenal v Brentford
19:30 Brighton v AFC Bournemouth
19:30 Everton v Aston Villa
19:30 Nottingham Forest v Hull
20:15 Sunderland v Liverpool
Wednesday, 6 January
19:30 Crystal Palace v Chelsea
19:30 Fulham v Spurs
19:30 Ipswich v Coventry
20:15 Leeds v Manchester City
Thursday, 7 January
20:00 Manchester United v Newcastle
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League goalkeeper Paul Robinson has praised Dominik Szoboszlai for "starting on the front foot" and "setting the tempo" as Liverpool began their Champions League campaign with a win over Atletico Madrid.
The 25-year-old equalised for the Reds in the 40th minutes with a "really clever" finish past goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
"He is such a big asset when he is playing in midfield," Robinson said on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "He played a lot of last season at right-back, for whatever reason, but you get so much more out of him in the centre of the park.
"He has a great engine. He gets up there and reads the game so well. He started the game on the front foot and he set the tempo from kick-off.
"When we talk about turning defence into attack, he does that extremely quickly."
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Alistair Bruce-Ball added: "He is just so good at getting on the ball and making things happen. He can score all sorts of different goals.
"When we think of him, his dead-ball striking, free-kicks and long-range hits come to mind, but I actually thought his finish against Atletico Madrid was really clever.
"He reacted well to Ronald Araujo's flick, it ended up sort of between his feet, he just gently touched it with his left foot and just swept it beyond Jan Oblak to find the bottom corner.
"He has been putting in these kinds of performances for Liverpool for quite a while now - and he is going to be a key man this season."
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesDominik Szoboszlai has praised Alexis Mac Allister after his Liverpool team-mate scored the winner against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, saying "we know each other without actually talking".
The Reds came from behind to get their European campaign off to a winning start, with Szoboszlai cancelling out Marcos Llorente's 17th-minute opener five minutes before half-time.
The Hungarian has started all four of Liverpool's games this season and Mac Allister has lined up alongside him in the past two fixtures - the 2-0 victory at Ipswich Town and at Anfield on Wednesday.
"I love to play with Macca," said Szoboszlai. "When you look at someone and he knows what you want to do, and I know what he wants to do, I think it helps the team as well.
"But it's the manager's decision who will play. Everybody is ready to compete with each other, but we have to become a family.
"It's not our decision. I like to play with Ryan [Gravenberch], with Flo [Wirtz], with Wata [Endo], with Trey [Nyoni], with everyone - and probably they like to play with each other and me. We need everybody because the season is long and we want to be in all of the competitions at the end."
Liverpool have drawn two and won two of their first four games under Iraola, who appointed Szoboszlai as one of his vice-captains on the eve of the season.
"It was a nice feeling and a proud moment for me - even though we are three vice-captains," added the 25-year-old.
"There are not too many vice-captains for Liverpool FC so I will take that, and I take the responsibility as well.
"I'm trying to show it on the pitch every time and I'm trying to become more of a leader off the pitch after last season. That's my plan for the upcoming year."
Hit play below to hear more from Szoboszlai or listen on BBC Sounds here
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on Liverpool's 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League game.
Here are some of your comments:
Paul: By far the best game we have played for months. What was most impressive was the attitude of the team. Atletico Madrid were impressive and we managed to overcome them with a mixture of skill and intensity, and as for entertainment, both teams provided an endless amount over the 90 minutes. Classic Anfield tie.
Kate: This is the Liverpool we want to see. With all due respect, the difference a manager can make, wow, and only after such a short time..The pace, the energy, their tackling aggression, fast passes, better connections. They had a plan! Exciting to watch. Felt they gave 100%. Araujo was brilliant. Mac Allister's goal was sublime. The link-up play was really good and when Gakpo's back to connect with Isak we'll be cooking with gas! Fans loved it. I can't wait for next game - bring it on.
Peter: Liverpool played very well. Played as a team. They can only get better. We lost the goal because of Kerkez, who is a liability. Is he a full-back, wing-back or a number 10 inside left? He is a very weak link in the Liverpool team. Because he plays too high it's very difficult for him to get back in position when the opponent is on the attack. This needs sorting urgently.
Jack: Much better second half. The team really clicked and it felt like a proper European night at Anfield. We still need to work on playing consistently well over both halves, and the injury scare to Barcola was slightly concerning - hopefully it was just a lack of match fitness instead of anything serious. But this was a good win and I'm starting to gain hope for the season.
Leigh: We needed to press them more when they were running at us in our own half. There was more than enough cover but it just seemed like we were too scared to miss a tackle or give away a free-kick. Get into them early! I think we will only get better going forward. Wirtz is slowly getting there, Barcola should have had two and Isak will keep going. Let's be more positive.
Image source, Getty Images"It is just cramp, there is no injury," Andoni Iraola insisted after £123m summer signing Bradley Barcola was forced off during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old went off the pitch holding his left calf 60 minutes into the encounter at Anfield, but his new head coach didn't seem too worried about his fitness post-match.
"It is about building his [Bradley Barcola's] physical condition," Iraola said, after marking his Champions League managerial debut with a win.
"We haven't really known until now how much he can play because he didn't get any pre-season minutes with Paris St-Germain.
"He played 30 minutes the other day. There were some question marks around how many minutes he could give us this match, and we probably know the answer now.
"I'm very happy [with his performance] because he had two very clear chances against the goalkeeper. He didn't score, but I want him there because that is where he has to make the difference."
Iraola also provided an update on fellow forward Cody Gakpo's fitness, with the 27-year-old currently dealing with "some adductor issues".
The Spaniard said Gakpo has a "50-50" chance of being available for Fulham's visit to Anfield on Saturday (15:00 BST) after missing the Champions League opener.
"He doesn't have a proper injury in terms of it being bad, but he did finish [the last game] with niggles in both of his adductors," Iraola explained on Wednesday.
"We expected to have him for this match but it hasn't been possible. It isn't a big thing, but the problem is we play here again in two and a half days."
Image source, Getty ImagesLiverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside after the Reds edged a 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid in their Champions League opener: "This match was always going to be tough because it is the Champions League. We tried to start the game faster than the first two games we played this season. Obviously we didn't have the kick-off and then unfortunately we conceded a goal, but the way we reacted after that is something I'm pleased about, for sure.
"Winning breeds confidence but we all need to be calm, recover and focus on the things we have to improve. There are still loads of things we can improve and we want to improve. We want to be better in what the manager wants from us.
"We are still not there yet. It is a process, but winning helps massively because then it feels like everything is clicking. It will take some more games and training sessions, but it is looking pretty alright."
On Bradley Barcola making his full debut: "He did very well. I don't think he has played that many minutes for a long time, so it is down to him to recover and be ready for the weekend now."
Get the full post-match interview by hitting play above or listen on BBC Sounds
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesThe raw emotion shown by Alexis Mac Allister as he grabbed the Liverpool badge on his shirt and celebrated in front of the Kop told you all that you needed to know.
Just a day earlier, Mac Allister had spoken with a different kind of emotion inside the press room at Anfield as he expressed his sadness at Liverpool not offering him a new contract during the summer.
The Argentina international, who is currently contracted until 2028, spoke passionately about his love for the club and the city, and how he didn't feel like he had anything to prove - but there was an admittance that he needed to show the level he knew he could perform at.
Thankfully for Andoni Iraola and Liverpool, Mac Allister did just that by letting his football do the talking in their 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
From the outset against Diego Simeone's side, the midfielder seemed like a man on a mission. He blazed over early on from outside the box then picked up a booking just before the half-hour mark.
His goal wasn't quite like the strike against Tottenham on the day the Reds won the Premier League in April 2025 - one that produced an actual seismic event, reaching a peak magnitude of 1.74 on the Richter scale - but it was more than good enough to beat one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Jan Oblak.
And it was certainly what Iraola and the Anfield hierarchy would have wanted to see after a below-par 2025-26 campaign from Mac Allister.
The understanding is the powers that be at Liverpool were of the belief that Mac Allister's performances did not warrant the offer of fresh terms.
But if he can carry on like this, then it will be a question of when rather than if that offer is made for whoever replaces Richard Hughes - even if Mac Allister said he didn't know if his goal would boost his chances of a new contract.
Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said Alexis Mac Allister just needed to be put into a system that suits him to get the best out of him.
"I don't think he has to show his importance to Liverpool, I think everyone knows the qualities he has got anyway," said Warnock, who was a pundit on Wednesday's Champions League Match of the Day.
"There will be a lot of talk about him because of what has gone on in the past few days, but Liverpool fans were already asking why hasn't he been offered a new contract when other players have.
"To come out and talk about a contract situation like he did, a couple of days before a game, and to be able to back it up the way he did with a good performance is important - but it is over the course of the season where his performances are important. If he wants a contract and he thinks he deserves a contract, then if his performances are good, he will get one.
"We all know the qualities that he has got - he is a World Cup winner, a Premier League winner - it is just that he has got to be put into the right system to make it work.
"At the moment, Liverpool's system is a little bit dysfunctional, but it is starting to get better and he will get better because of that."
Liverpool have plans to sign another midfielder next summer, which would push Alexis Mac Allister further down the pecking order at Anfield. (Talksport), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column
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Liverpool starting XI:
Alisson Becker: Well beaten for Llorente's goal but made a good save to deny Alvarez from distance and another stop to keep him out in the second-half. 6
Ronald Araujo: Retained his place at right-back after impressing against Ipswich. Battled well, with one particular press that woke Anfield up. Superb back-heel assist for Dominik Szoboszlai's equaliser. 7
Jeremy Jacquet: Impressive again at centre-half and increasingly looking like a player that could be part of Liverpool's backline for years to come. 6
Virgil van Dijk: Another commanding display at the back. Was furious after Milos Kerkez failed to track Llorente for Atletico's goal. 6
Milos Kerkez: Really poor defending for Llorente's goal and struggled in the first-half but deserves credit for showing great determination to win the ball back just before Szoboszlai's equaliser. 6
Alexis Mac Allister: All eyes on the Argentinian after his press conference on Tuesday but did his talking on the pitch by scoring an absolute belter with his left-foot just after the break. 8
Dominik Szoboszlai: Alvarez went past him easily in the build up to Atletico's goal but was in the right place at the right time with a lovely finish for Liverpool's equaliser. 7
Rio Ngumoha: Back in the starting line-up and on his preferred left wing. Looked lively in moments but Llorente put in a good shift against the 18-year-old. 6
Florian Wirtz: Had a great chance saved by Jan Oblak and got into some dangerous positions. Unlucky not to get an assist when he played Bradley Barcola through. 6
Bradley Barcola: The £123m signing made his first Liverpool start. Showed real glimpses of his quality with come great touches and sharp movement but really should have scored in front of the Kop shortly before Mac Allister's goal. Hobbled off on the hour mark but doesn't look too serious. 6
Alexander Isak: Wasted a good chance early on but worked hard throughout and is increasingly getting more involved in games, like Iraola wants him to. Was awarded an assist for Mac Allister's goal. 6
Liverpool substitutes:
Victor Munoz (on 60, Barcola): 6
Jeremie Frimpong (on 60, Ngumoha): 6
Ryan Gravenberch (on 70, Mac Allister): 6
Lewis Koumas (on 88, Isak)
Kostas Tsimikas (on 88, for Kerkez)
Subs not used: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, James McConnell, Jayden Danns.
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Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Liverpool's performance
Reaction, analysis and highlights to follow - and come back on Thursday for a selection of your replies.
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Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson on BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is exactly what Alexis Mac Allister needed to do.
"If you don't get offered a new contract there's a reason, so what do you do? You go out and earn it.
"You work hard, you play to your level and he did that. He put himself about and popped up with a wonderful strike.
"It was all about Mac Allister coming in to the game with what he said in the press conference.
"He has still got two years left on his contract, which I found quite strange. It's not the kind of thing you do, openly ask for a new contract.
"You let your football do the talking, you go out there and play better than you did last season because the level he played at tonight, he didn't reach last season. I thought he was poor at times last season and hadn't earned a new contract.
"He had a good engine tonight and took his goal really well. It was always going to be about him, but it's now all positive. That is how you go about getting a new contract."
Former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I get what Paul [Robinson] is saying.
"Mac Allister has two years left and clubs generally don't let you go beyond that, but you have to earn the right. His performances last season were not to the level you expect from him.
"He looks a lot fresher after coming back from the World Cup. At the back end of last season, it felt like he was preparing for the World Cup and his performances took a dip.
"What a way to go and back up the statement he made. It was a lovely strike with brilliant technique."
Listen to BBC Radio 5 Live's analysis of Wednesday's Champions League action below or on BBC Sounds
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Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, speaking to TNT Sports: "Difficult to ask for more. I think we have shown big character, especially the players after a difficult start.
"I loved it - the atmosphere has been incredible and I feel lucky to experience it. I think I have to take blame from the beginning because they surprised me a little bit tactically they played a five at the back - a 5-3-2. We expected something different and waited to correct it. After half-time, we had a much better game, we pressed better, and I think we have been a better team."
On Alexis Mac Allister: "Yes, lovely goal for him and from Dominik [Szoboszlai]. They ran a lot. Alexis has been vert smart - I think it was a very cheap first yellow. They were putting pressure to find the second one. He is a smart player and he could survive that."
On the crowd: "I was enjoying it. They're a very good team. Technically, in the middle, lovely players. It is not easy to press those players as they have quality.
"They have been playing together forever. We find another comeback after Forest, after Newcastle. We still have this thing to improve in the beginning of the games, but I am happy as we have shown some character.
"This is the Champions League, you don't have easy games."
Hit play below to hear more from Iraola or listen on BBC Sounds here
Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to TNT Sports: "It was a good comeback.
"I think the first half was really good. We conceded a goal because we were not ready, and we did not defend well, other than it was a good first half.
"The beginning of the second half was really good. We managed to score the second goal, which is good.
"Overall, it was a good performance. Now we have to think about the next one.
"Before the game we spoke about the beginning of the first half and second half. I liked the mentality. I think we showed desire today. We got the fans behind us and that's really important when you play at Anfield. A positive step for us."
On the goal boosting his chances of a new contract: "I don't know - we will see."
Did you know?
Andoni Iraola enjoyed his first win over Diego Simeone in his managerial career having failed to win any of his four prior encounters in La Liga in charge of Rayo Vallecano (D1 L3).
Five of Alexis Mac Allister's 20 goals for Liverpool in all competitions have come from outside the penalty area, only Dominik Szoboszlai (12) has more for the club since his debut in August 2023.
There are six games in the Champions League on Wednesday as the opening week of the 36-team league phase continues, and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Barcelona v Feyenoord (17:45)
Stuttgart v Viking (17:45)
Liverpool v Atletico Madrid - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Napoli v Arsenal
Paris St-Germain v Slovan Bratislava
Sporting v Galatasaray
Kick-off times 20:00 BST unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Champions League commentary on your smart speaker. Just say "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play Liverpool v Atletico Madrid" or "Alexa, ask BBC Sounds to play the Liverpool match".
Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:40 to 00:00.
How to follow the Champions League on the BBC
New this season: Live match updates
Fans of Premier League clubs can now get real-time scores live on their phone lock screen for every game.
Simply follow your favourite football teams on the BBC Sport app for updates throughout the 2026-27 season.
Image source, BBC SportNew this season: Match of the Day Predictor
Simply predict the outcome of the six fixtures we've selected from across domestic and European competitions every week.
Players can join at any time, get involved with the latest round and start building a streak.
You can find the predictor in the navigation bar at the top of this page, or on this link
